Grooves rule takes effect for amateurs

As of Wednesday, all clubs used by competitors in USGA amateur championships and qualifying events must employ grooves that conform to the association’s 2010 rule change. The USGA, therefore, also announced resources to help players comply.

USGA representatives are being made available to test clubs or answer questions, the organization wrote on its website. Players can begin at www.usga.org/grooves for more information. From there, they can consult a club database that allows players to check whether their make and model of club has been ruled as conforming. The USGA also plans a page of frequently asked questions about the groove rule.

Golfers competing in “elite amateur events,” the USGA said, can take part in the Open Championship Player Club Testing program as well. The association’s website also offers information on submitting clubs for testing.